key projects for 2012/13 were:

1. Development of new Headquarters

2. Provide effective cover and resilience for the London 2012 Olympics 3. Reduce our impact on the environment

4. Provide a new solution for delivery of control (999) service (Integrated Risk Management Project)

5. Review specialist vehicles (Integrated Risk Management Project) 6. Assess options for replacing Dee Road Fire Station (Integrated Risk

Management Project)

7. Roll out agreed approach for Windsor Fire Station (Integrated Risk Management Project)

8. Consider options to maximise the promotion of Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service successes (Integrated Risk Management Project)

9. Ensure preparedness for wild fire incidents (Integrated Risk Management Project)

Refer to the following pages for updates for each of these projects.

By referring to the priority projects for 2013/14 in the action plan section of this documents, it can be seen that project numbers: 1, 4, 6, 7 are progressing and will continue into 2013/14.

Annual Report

Development of new Headquarters We said:

The current Headquarters building is no longer fit for purpose and would be too expensive to refurbish. A project is therefore underway to purchase and fit out a new building to house RBFRS for the next thirty years or more.

Intended outcome:

To identify, procure and render fit for purpose a new Headquarters building within current budgetary constraints.

The building will be suitable for the next 30 years to maximise the return on investment.

We did:

We formed a project team in partnership with an external consultant. Several sites were assessed for suitability and a site was selected.

Actual outcome:

We have purchased a site and building for our new Headquarters in Calcot, Reading. A full procurement process has been undertaken and contractors have been appointed to begin the refurbishment. We expect to move into the new Headquarters in April 2014. This project continues as a priority project for 2013/14.

Annual Report

Provide effective cover and resilience for the London 2012 Olympics We said:

Although there are no Olympic events that will take place in Berkshire, several events (particularly the torch relay and the rowing) will have an effect on Berkshire and our neighbours. We are therefore undertaking a project to plan and prepare for these events to ensure the safety of those involved and visitors.

We are working closely with our partners and neighbouring fire and rescue

services to do so.

Intended outcome:

The intended outcome was to assist in multi agency working to achieve the overarching strategic aim of: “Delivering a successful, safe and secure 2012 games” at the same time maintaining a full business as usual capability for the people of Berkshire.

We did:

A project team was developed early in 2012 to specifically plan for the impact of the 2012 Olympics in Berkshire, focusing on inter-agency cooperation.

The fixed start dates for the Torch Relay, Olympics and Paralympics meant that preparations had to be in place and Operational briefings carried out in a highly structured fashion.

Inter-agency working was crucial, this not only included other Fire and rescue services in the region but also Thames Valley Police, South Central Ambulance Service, Local authorities, Environment Agency and Military.

Plans and procedures were tested in local and National multi- agency exercises.

Actual outcome:

The outcome was that every foreseen event was thoroughly planned for with appropriate resources in place for the Torch Relay for the 2 days it travelled through Berkshire, the Olympic rowing events and the Paralympic events at Eton Dorney. There were no significant events to deal with but the overall success and RBFRS contribution was recognised by the presentation of a certificate from Thames Valley Police at an award ceremony at the end of 2012.

Annual Report

Reduce our impact on the environment We said:

To build on the success of our previous Environmental Strategy, we will publish a revised strategy and action plan.

The Action Plan will identify and where practicable reduce environmental risks from our operational activities. It will also look to reduce our carbon emissions by raising awareness of staff working on the refurbishment or replacement of buildings and vehicles.

Intended outcome:

The production of a new Environmental Action Plan to cover a 5 year period focusing on our commitment to

conduct activities in an environmentally sustainable way.

We did:

Through our Environmental Steering Group we produced a new 5 year plan to maximise our environmental performance within current constraints.

Actual outcome:

The new 5 year plan identifies 3 strategic objectives with 28 specific actions to be taken. All actions have been allocated to departmental heads to ensure we meet our corporate performance objectives.

Annual Report

Provide a new solution for delivery of control (999) service We said:

A project is underway with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service to determine the feasibility of a joint control and mobilising function for both counties.

Intended outcome:

The project team will continue to assess the options for the provision of a call management, mobilising and emergency resource management function in

partnership with other agencies and fire and rescue services.

We did:

We formed a partnership with

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and submitted bids to DCLG for appropriate funding for the project.

This has now expanded to include Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Actual outcome:

A new single, joint Control Room will be established for all three Services in the new Headquarters building in Calcot.

The final solution will provide state of the art facilities to ensure we provide an optimal service to our communities. The project has received the full support of all three Fire Authorities and continues to progress well with completion anticipated in April 2014. This project continues as a priority for 2013/14.

Annual Report

Review specialist vehicles We said:

The Service will review the Water Rescue Unit and Boat, Operational Support Unit and Aerial Appliances to ensure the most appropriate service level is provided.

Intended outcome:

During 2012/13 it is proposed the service will undertake a detailed review of the provision and use of a number of specialist vehicles before they are due for replacement, to determine if any improvements or developments are needed and also whether a similar unit is required at all. The review will incorporate crewing arrangements, location, use and any alternative provision.

We did:

We formed three project teams to review the levels of service provision and the requirements of both the Service and the Community.

Actual outcome:

The Water Rescue Unit and Boat was reviewed and is deemed fit for purpose for another two years. This will be further reviewed in two years time.

The Operational Support Unit has been reviewed and it is still required. A replacement vehicle will be ordered with an enhanced crew cab with more space for extra personnel.

Following a review of both Aerial Appliances it has been decided to reduce our fleet to one such vehicle and this will be based at Whitley Wood Fire Station. The Aerial Appliance at Slough Fire Station has been removed from front line service.

Annual Report

Assess options for replacing Dee Road Fire Station We said:

The identification and establishment of a new fire station in the Theale area to replace the current station in Dee Road, Reading to enable a greater level of service to be provided.

Intended outcome:

A premises condition survey has identified the fire station at Dee Road, Reading needs to have significant building works or most probably needs to be rebuilt. Before rebuilding on the same site a review has been undertaken and identified the optimum location is westwards of the existing site toward the Calcot/Theale area. As the fire station is in a poor state of repair and it is not in the optimum location to provide a response to emergencies, the Service will incorporate the provision of a new fire station to the west of Reading within its premises strategy. Subject to identifying a suitable site, the fire station at Dee Road will be replaced.

We did:

We have formed a project team to identify a suitable new site to locate a new fire station. Considerable ‘risk mapping’ has taken place to assist with this project and identify a suitable location.

Actual outcome:

Work is currently ongoing to identify a new site in the Theale area. It has been determined that subject to the required space being available this will incorporate a new rescue training facility.

This project continues as a priority for 2013/14.

Annual Report

Roll out agreed approach for Windsor Fire Station We said:

A joint approach with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead to establish a new fire station and a 24 hour

presence in the Windsor area.

Intended outcome:

The new fire station in Wokingham is now completed and is open 24 hours a day. As referenced in the 2011/12 plan, officers from both the Service and Windsor and Maidenhead have continued discussions to identify

alternative options to provide emergency cover within Windsor on a 24 hour basis.

Agreement in principle has been reached and it is proposed to provide a local fire engine based in the Windsor area, which will be crewed by three firefighters. The vehicle will be a local fire engine, which will respond to all calls in the Windsor area and be supported by other fire engines as required. On occasions, (e.g. forest fires, during snowy weather etc), it will be necessary for the vehicle and crew to be used in other areas of Berkshire.

A new fire station will be provided in the Windsor area, by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Following this agreement work is now underway by officers from both authorities to enable implementation of this proposal, with the arrangements being reviewed after one year, with no presumption of change, unless mutually agreed.

We did:

We continue to work with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead to achieve a satisfactory outcome to this project.

Actual outcome:

Negotiations continue with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and the aim is now to provide a fully crewed, full size fire engine for 24 hours a day in the Windsor area. The fire engine will be located in a new Fire Station provided by the Royal Borough at a location to be confirmed.

The implementation of this project will continue as a priority for 2013/14.

Annual Report

Consider options to maximise the promotion of Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service successes

We said:

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service are the World Extrication Champions; we will assess ways to enhance our service provision by using these team members at more difficult entrapments at Road Traffic Collisions.

Intended outcome:

As road traffic collisions occur throughout the world, every fire and rescue service needs to provide some form of emergency response to these incidents. Over many years this Service has had a team who compete on a national and international basis in

competitions where road traffic collisions are simulated and they rescue the

casualty. A wide range of scenarios face the teams who compete and it is an ideal environment to learn new techniques.

In 2011 Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service won the United Kingdom and World Extrication Championships. It is proposed to assess ways in which the expertise gained by the team can be disseminated to other firefighters and also to consider ways in which team members can be used at the more difficult entrapments.

We did:

Members of the team have been seconded to provide an enhanced

training capability to all Operational staff.

Actual outcome:

The World Champion team members are now regularly used to provide enhanced training to our staff. This training will enhance the skills of our operational personnel and provide an enhanced service to the communities of Royal Berkshire.

RBFRS World Extrication Championship winning team

Annual Report

Ensure preparedness for wildfire incidents We said:

Following the significant fire at Swinley Forest in 2011 the service will review these fire fighting options and systems in collaboration with other partners to identify improvements.

Intended outcome:

In May 2011 the Service attended a significant fire at Swinley Forest for seven days. This incident resulted in over 1,000 fire engine movements, and, at its peak, involved over 50 fire engines and specialist vehicles and more than 400 personnel from across the country.

The debrief process is nearing completion and this will result in a number of recommendations for consideration. Once the

recommendations are approved a project team or teams, will be formed to address the issues.

We did:

We are working in partnership with the South East Wildfire Group to develop improved working practices and procedures for dealing with wildfires and forest fires. This group includes representatives from private land

owners, the forestry commission and the environment agency.

Actual outcome:

We have adopted all the

recommendations from the significant review that was conducted. The issue has become a land owner responsibility with training being provided for land owners. We have invested in new four wheel drive fire engines and specialist vehicles for off road firefighting.

Annual Report

Rescue boat crew at the Olympic rowing venue